All Pinked Out

Let us start with the good news. The week before round three the surgeon removed my twisted port and inserted a new one. Each time I have had this procedure, as well as the surgeon checking to see what was going on with the port, I have had to have my neck slit. At this rate I am going to have a permanent necklace composed of scars. Each round of chemo requires a  preparation visit at the Cancer Clinic with the nurse, oncologist, and a blood test. Because of the Monday holiday for Thanksgiving, the visit was moved ahead by several days and had to be done the day after the surgery. As I had a general, plus a couple of pain killers, I was, according to the information from the surgeon, legally impaired. Of all the visits to bring in a medical student! That poor soul wanted me to list all of the drugs that I am taking. Kidding right ? I hardly knew my own name, and had to tell the young student that the only drugs I take are the ones that they are telling me to take, and they are listed there in my, which is getting exceedingly large, file. Also, don’t ask me which side effects I experienced after last chemo, just put me down for everything!

Anyway, chemo day came and I  was vibrating with tension when we sat down. I closed my eyes, Senor Poodela was next to me holding my hand and along came the nurse. One, maybe two seconds later, Senor is telling me that the IV is in! I started to cry and a small group of nurses who in the past had to struggle with trying to get that needle into me gathered around. Kleenex was passed around instead of champagne. Success!

Now the bad news is that I have had much severe everything round three. Nausea, tiredness, and a roller coaster ride with the digestive system. I am talking nausea where I have to hold on to the kitchen counter so I do not lose my balance while I am jamming baked goods and other carbs into my mouth. Don’t worry, I can do the eating thing one-handed.

The days of 5-9 I once again had to have my injections. We are getting to know the names of the wonderful ladies who do this home nursing. As a good hostess should, I have started to reward those who admit to hunger with pieces of Happy Cow cheese upon their departure.  Sort of like handouts tomorrow night. We have chocolate bars and part of me is secretly hoping that no one shows up.

More bad news. My nails are turning black. It turns out that this is yet another side effect of chemo. While investigating I found a great support web site where people share their first hand insights into cancer treatments. Something about what next, as in what the heck can happen next. There is no way that the oncologist can tell you in your first visit all of the possible side effects of the chemo therapy. There obviously is not enough time, and you would probably bolt from the room.

And the worst of my  news before I sign off………I have the same hairdo as Rob Ford.

Round #4 next Wed.